CREATE Youth-Net (a European partnership of youth advocates campaigning to end female genital mutilation and forced marriage in three countries: Portugal, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands) organised a flash mob on the 25th of November 2014. The flash mob; held in Lisbon, Portugal; London, UK; Amsterdam, the Netherlands; aimed to raise awareness of FGM and forced marriage. It was also calling for the European Commission to engage, enable, empower and resource young people to join the campaign and create change in their communities.

FORWARD presents ‘Transforming the lives of Women affected by female genital mutilation (FGM)’ in the UK. Why Women’s health and Leadership Skills Training is important, and details of our work with communities in the UK. Funded by Catapult.

ATL’s Safer Schools network brings together the expertise of leading organisations, practitioners and academics to signpost education professionals, young people and parents to resources, debate and support. www.saferschools.org.uk

FORWARD’s Youth Programme, Young People Speak Out, have developed this film with Media Trust: ‘These are Our Friends’ on the issue of Female genital Mutilation (FGM). This will be screened on the Community Channel in July as part of the Bridging The Gap series. Many thanks to Media Trust, Director Jodi De Souza, Producer Jodie Chillery, Richard Mkoloma and the FORWARD young women who feature in the film.

“Think Again” is a thought-provoking film that follows a 12-year-old’s struggle between family honour and the facts about FGM. On discovering that her mom wants to take her back home to be ‘cut’ she explores the implications FGM has on her life and the misconceptions that explain why the practice persists in the 21st century.